should?” Zeke lowered his voice. “Have some fun while he’s busy pulling his head out of his ass.”
“Let me guess, you’re the perfect guy to have some casual fun with,” Juri said sarcastically. Frankly, he was pissed. Zeke suggesting Phoenix was the one stalling their mating was... ridiculous. The big softy would’ve welcomed Juri’s bite a week into their relationship. Juri was so tired of justifying his unique partnership with Phoenix wherever he went.
“Exactly.” Zeke stretched, putting focus on his wide shoulders and taut belly.
The beta was a looker. Huge, blond, with brown eyes and dimples when he smiled. Even if Juri hadn’t been head over heels for Phoenix, Zeke wouldn’t be his type. Before Phoenix, Juri had preferred short and slender males and females.
Juri stood. “I’m flattered, but I have to decline your offer. I have someone waiting for me at home.” Someone who’s been driving me crazy lately. Still, Juri wouldn’t replace Phoenix for the world.
Zeke stood as well, looking disappointed. “All right. But if you ever change your mind, you know where to find me.”
Chapter Three
Phoenix waded out of the cool creek toward the big flat stone where he’d left his clothes. He’d helped Shea find the cubs, then assisted Viktor in loading the car. Stefan had come by to see them off and discuss the shifter day care with Phoenix. Playing in the water for two hours had done wonders for his bad mood. The impromptu clan meeting hadn’t been a walk in the park. The clan was nervous, afraid of the arsonist. After reassuring everyone he’d do his best to protect Hazel Woods, Phoenix had decided to call it a day.
His cell rang insistently, and considering the time, Phoenix expected his mate... lover... had called. But when he picked up the phone, the display read Silver Creek. Huh. Was Juri still there? Did they need his input?
Phoenix swiped his finger over the screen and lifted the cell to his ear. “Alpha Jones.”
“This is Zeke Lassiter. I’m the Silver Creek Beta.”
Phoenix ran his fingers through his wet hair. Of all the fucking people...”I know. What can I do for you?” He perched his naked ass on the stone.
“Juri left about thirty minutes ago. Since he’s driving, I haven’t been able to reach him. Can I leave a message for him?”
What am I? His answering machine? “Shoot.”
“He left something at my place. I need to know if I should send it, or if he’ll be back to collect it himself.”
Frowning, Phoenix splashed his feet through the happily gurgling creek. “What is it he left? If it’s small enough to mail then—”
Zeke laughed. “A piece of clothing. Juri will know. Say, Phoenix, why did you send your second-in-command instead of coming yourself? Don’t tell me you were trying to avoid—”
“A piece of clothing.” Phoenix kept his voice calm and controlled. The little fucker sounded way too smug to give him the satisfaction of a raised voice. “I’ll let him know. Bye.” Growling angrily, Phoenix closed his hand around his cell until the plastic creaked. “Zeke Lassiter. We’d better never meet in person again, or I’ll have to call your alpha and ask him if he’d prefer to pick you up or receive you via mail.”
Phoenix stared out over the water, letting his shoulders drop. He knew exactly what Zeke had aimed for. It wasn’t the first time someone from outside the clan questioned his and Juri’s partnership. Hell, some of the clan members were wondering why Phoenix hadn’t taken Juri as his mate.
Phoenix didn’t think for a second Juri would cheat on him. Juri had been distant lately, reacted more irritably than usual when Phoenix bared his neck at him. Even if Juri thought about breaking up with him, Phoenix knew his lover wouldn’t hurt him by sleeping with someone else.
“God, please don’t leave me, Juri.” Not for that bastard Zeke Lassiter. He’d been beyond shocked when he’d found out Zeke had moved to Silver Creek. Phoenix rubbed his eyes when they misted. “You’re my stars and my moon, the light of my life, Juri.” He wanted a claiming bite. Straightening his shoulders, Phoenix stood and grabbed his clothes. It was time to talk turkey with Juri. Phoenix had been too soft, too lenient with his soul mate. Tonight, he’d demand answers. And a mating mark.
* * * *
Darkness had fallen when Juri closed the front door behind him and stealthily made his way through the foyer toward the staircase.
“I’m in the kitchen.”
Following Phoenix’s voice, Juri stopped in